On Saturday, Bosnia and Herzegovina were eliminated from their first World Cup, thanks to a 1-0 loss to Nigeria. The Dragons are going home, but they’re not about to do so quietly. They first want to speak about the injustice they felt was doled out by New Zealand referee Peter O’Leary.

In the 21st minute, Edin Džeko latched on to a through ball from Zvjezdan Misimović, lashing the ball past Vincent Enyeama and into the back of the net. The flag was raised and the goal ruled offside. Unfairly, thought the Bosnia team, as did almost everyone watching the replay at home.

Less than ten minutes later, Peter Odemwingie scored what would ultimately be Nigeria’s winner. But defender Emir Spahić appeared to have been fouled in the build-up to the goal, and Bosnia were upset that it had been allowed to stand.

The referee was shameful. We are going home and we are sad because of that but this referee should be going home too. He changed the result and he changed the game. That’s why we lost. It was obviously a foul on our captain. And before when I scored the goal, it was never offside. We fought till the end but we didn’t have luck today.

Džeko, and Bosnia, likely have a legitimate complaint, at least when it comes to the disallowed goal. Had it stood, the match could’ve taken on a much different tone. Instead, Bosnia are left with a sour taste in their mouth, having been unceremoniously ejected from their first World Cup.

I disagree about the Emenike play, I don’t think it was a foul. There is always jostling for the ball, but Emenike was just stronger and the defender fell down (he was abused again later in the match, he’s just not strong enough to match Emenike). Bosnia should feel hard done by about the disallowed goal, but they also failed to take the numerous chances they had later.

Yes, the offsides call was wrong, but instead of just blaming the ref or linesman for their loss, players should start to demand a replay/challenge system. TV viewers can usually see it clearly on replay immediately afterwards, so why shouldn’t the refs have this at their disposal?